Just about every player has come in for individual praise following the 2-0 win over Manchester City - Santi Cazorla for his box-to-box endeavours, Francis Coquelin for showing the Gunners may already have the defensive midfielder they so desperately need and Olivier Giroud for leading the ruthless attack.

But Per Mertesacker, a player recently compared to a rhinoceros, needs a shout as well. Not just for playing his role in a defensive display not seen from Arsenal in years, but for pulling off some moves that even Lionel Messi would be proud.